The power within

MONTREAL – After missing out on a key two points against the Devils on Saturday night, the Habs knew exactly which games they needed to keep an eye on down the stretch to determine their fate: their own.

With six games left to be played, the Canadiens are still nestled comfortably in the seventh spot in the east and on the right track to clinch a berth in the postseason for the fourth time in the past five seasons. But just getting into the dance isn’t exactly what the Habs are gunning for.

“We played ok; we could’ve been better,” admitted Michael Cammalleri, who chipped in with two assists in a losing cause in his third game back from a knee injury. “We didn’t win enough battles. Our compete level wasn’t there tonight but we did some good things. I think more importantly than the two points we were disappointed in our game.”

Now with a three day break heading into the home stretch, Cammalleri knows exactly what it will take to nab a coveted playoff-clinching “x” in the standings.

“We control our destiny. If we prepare properly, I like how our future looks,” explained the 27-year-old sniper. “We’ve spent the whole year having played more games than any other team and after a sequence of four games in six nights, we can spend the next few days catching our breath and let the guys with games in hand play.”

While the Habs will have some time to rest this week, don’t expect Cammy to be taking any breaks from his usual game-night routine.

"Before going to bed, I always do a quick check on NHL.com,” said Cammalleri of his nightly surfing habit. “I click on ‘Standings’ then ‘Conference’ to see where we’re at after the games each night. Some guys like doing that more than others, but we all know that we’re still in a good spot.”